Abel Ramirez, Inspiration to Pasadena

Abel Ramirez is a local entrepreneur who has made Pasadena a tastier place. As a strong business man he is co-owner and CEO of the El Portal restaurant. He also founded both Yahaira’s Café and Vanessa’s Coffee House — all three located in the Playhouse District in The Arcade. In the past 30 years he has served on the boards of numerous charities giving his time to help those in need.

In 1964 Ramirez made the trek to the United States leaving his home in Yucatan, Mexico. Just a young man at the time he began working for The Huntington Hotel (now the Langham Huntington). He started from the bottom and worked his way up to the top in the food and beverage industry. After 14 years, his hard work and dedication paid off.

When he left the Huntington he took the job of general manager at Caltech’s Athenaeum and joined the American Association of Private Clubs. After 17 years, he decided to strike out on his own.

In 1995, with his wife Rosalia and son, Armando, he created the family business El Portal. As a family man, father to two more sons Ricardo and Andres, Ramirez runs El Portal with his love of food and family always on his mind. He is CEO of Ramirez-Bianchi Corp which included the fantastic El Portal as well as Yahaira’s Café and Vanessa’s Coffee House.

Now a grandfather to six, with his wife of more than forty years Rosalia, Ramirez continues to show his strong love and dedication to his community. His charity work, including serving on several boards, has continued for over 28 years. He has helped with organizations concerned with getting people jobs, feeding the hungry, children’s services and the arts. Currently, he serves a volunteer at the Tournament of Roses and on the Board of Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena Senior Center, Mothers Club and Foothill Vocational Services.

Abel Ramirez’s dedication to his family, his company and his community is an inspiration to all and should be applauded. Stop by El Portal – you might just catch him there.

El Portal is located at 695 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Call (626) 795-8553 or visit www.elportalrestaurant.com for more information.